11 November 2021This time the Stuttgart crew arrived before everyone else. Unfortunately, I waited until the last minute and paid a crazy amount for the flights. There was a minor booking issue with my coworker Jenn, but I'll leave that alone for now. Softening the blow was using my Mariott Bonvoy points to stay for free in Le Meridien right on the infamous La Rambla. I met up with the large crew (Matt, Britt, Jenn, Craig, Monica, Paul, and Andrej) in their part of town called El Poblenou for a few drinks. We then took a taxi to the W Hotel on the beach for some drinks at the hotel bar on one of the higher floors. Surprisingly it was indoors but that suited us fine on a chilly November evening.
We had a late night dinner at the bottom of the hotel and while the seafood was great, the service was terrible. I forgot how weird Spain's hours were and I think we unwittingly committed a fo-pa by arriving too late...maybe.
12 November 2021
A few of us took a morning stroll down La Rambla before heading north into the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter). This looked like an interesting breakfast spot.
The Catalans certainly like to make jokes with their shop advertisements.
We had lunch at El Club de L´Empanada for some local fare and some Estrella, "la cerveza de España."
After lunch, we met up with Paula and Andrej and made our way to Sagrada Familia.
Walking through the Gothic Quarter
Must be a requirement to have plants on your balcony in this building.
Basílica de la Mercè
La Sagrada Familia. The church that seems forever incomplete. There is a nice rooftop overlooking the church but gets quite busy and requires reservations that we obviously didn't make beforehand.
After a few hours at church, who doesn't like a good ice cream!
That evening we had a group dinner on a rooftop that was truly a great time.
Besties
Matt and his desserts
The boys!
We finally let the girls join us
13 November 2021
Half the group went hiking outside of Barcelona but Britt, Jenn, Matt, and I resumed our obligatory ebike tour. The tour guide was from Saint Petersburg and each of us had little speakers so she could explain what we were seeing as we rode past. Most of the tour was in the Montjuïc hills south of the city and the site of the 1992 Olympics.
Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
La Cara de Barcelona (The Cap of Barcelona), an abstract statue designed by an American architect for the 1992 Olympics.
Monument a Colom (Christopher Columbus)
Beautiful trails through the Gardens of Mossèn Costa i Llobera
Group photo overlooking the port
Olympic diving center with a beautiful view of the city.
Castell de Montjuïc
View from the castle over downtown
Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Olympic Torch
Anella Olímpica (Olympic Ring). I remember being here with Brian at night over a decade ago.
Palau Nacional de Montjuïc
Through the mist
Plaça d'Espanya
The Catalan Arc de Triomf
After the tour, we walked back through the Parc de la Ciutadella to look at some sculptures and monuments.
After burning all those calories, it was time for some afternoon rooftop drinks!
We booked a sunset sailing tour, but they cancelled on us last minute because the seas were too heavy. Despite the earlier guests getting sick on the boat, that would not have deterred me from a sporty sail. Regardless, it was probably best for the rest of the crew that we didn't go. Instead, drinks by the marina!
We took a nap and strolled down La Rambla and the Mercado de La Boqueria for some snacks before meeting up with the crew for our last supper.
Neat clocks made from old vinyl records.
Cool sidewalk bar
Dinner at Arume. I guess it's located under a laundromat.
Nightcap at a street cafe. Then laughs all the way back to our hotels.
14 November 2021
I had a late flight home but just relaxed in the hotel room and watched Formula 1 among other sporting events I missed throughout the weekend. What a fun time!
